5 Powerful Reforms Harriet Okach Brings as Kenya Rugby’s First Female Chairperson

Introduction

On June 5, 2025, Harriet Okach was appointed as the first-ever female chairperson of the Kenya Rugby Union, marking a historic milestone for the sport in the country :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. Her appointment follows the resignation of Alexander “Sasha” Mutai and comes at a time when KRU must recover from internal strife and restore public trust.

Background & Historic First

Okach, a former treasurer of Kisumu RFC and current director of Marketing & Commercial at KRU, first joined the Board in 2023 after receiving the most votes at the AGM :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. Selected unanimously to finish the remaining term of Sasha Mutai—who resigned amid a no-confidence motion—she now becomes the first female leader of Kenya Rugby Union :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

5 Key Reforms She Promises

• Inclusive Governance – introducing a new constitution to decentralize power and increase stakeholder participation :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Financial Transparency – cooperating with DCI investigations to tackle financial misconduct within KRU :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Growth of Women’s Rugby – launching committees to boost women’s teams and visibility, especially ahead of Rugby Africa events :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Revitalizing Youth Rugby – plans to reintroduce Youth Cups such as the Eric Shirley Shield to rebuild grassroots participation :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Media & Sponsorship Strategy – restoring key sponsors and securing live media coverage for all national competitions :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

Governance & Transparency

Chairperson Harriet Okach has positioned integrity and accountability at the forefront of her leadership agenda. Since her appointment, she has been outspoken about the urgent need to rebuild public trust in the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) after years of alleged financial mismanagement and opaque decision-making processes. In response to past controversies, she has publicly pledged full cooperation with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), signaling a clear break from the old ways of governance.

One of her boldest promises includes the development and adoption of a revised KRU constitution aimed at decentralizing authority. This proposal seeks to redistribute decision-making powers to regional rugby clubs, giving grassroots stakeholders a more significant voice in shaping the future of the sport. Okach believes that empowering local unions will lead to more inclusive policies, greater accountability, and increased participation from historically marginalized regions.

In addition to structural changes, Okach has announced a commitment to implement regular financial disclosures, independent audits, and open communication channels with clubs and the public. These reforms are designed to improve transparency, prevent corruption, and attract new sponsors who value ethical governance. She has also called for increased representation of women and youth in KRU’s governing bodies to better reflect the diversity of the rugby community.

For many observers, these initiatives mark a turning point in KRU’s evolution from a centralized, male-dominated organization into a modern, democratic institution. Okach’s approach is being lauded as a model for other sports federations in the region, offering a roadmap for institutional renewal based on integrity, inclusivity, and accountability.

Growth of Women’s Rugby

Building on an earlier initiative, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) officially launched a dedicated Women’s Rugby Committee in May 2025 to strengthen the foundation of the women’s game nationwide. This strategic move aims to create structured development pathways for female athletes, from grassroots participation to elite-level competition.

Under Harriet Okach’s historic leadership as the first female chairperson, the women’s side of the sport is gaining long-overdue attention. The committee’s mandate includes improving training standards, increasing competitive opportunities, and advocating for equal access to facilities and coaching resources. A particular focus is being placed on nurturing talent in underserved regions, where many promising players lack exposure and support.

Okach has emphasized that empowering female athletes is not just a symbolic gesture but a core element of the union’s broader reform agenda. By investing in the development of the women’s game, KRU hopes to enhance national team performance, increase public engagement, and attract sponsors interested in supporting diversity and inclusion in sports.

The Lionesses, Kenya’s national women’s team, stand to benefit significantly from this renewed focus. With improved funding, structured leagues, and enhanced media coverage, the future of women’s contact sport in Kenya is brighter than ever. Okach envisions a future where women’s rugby is not just supported, but celebrated as a central pillar of Kenya’s sporting identity.

Conclusion

Harriet Okach’s appointment as KRU chairperson represents a bold turning point for Kenyan rugby. By combining historic inclusivity with a practical reform agenda, she aims to unite stakeholders, clean up governance, and grow the game at all levels. It may well be the spark that revives trust and competitiveness in Kenya’s sport ecosystem.

Related Links

• Capital Sports: Okatch named KRU chair :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• KRU website announcement :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Kenya launches women’s rugby committee (internal)

Read < 1 minute

The first female chairperson of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), Harriet Okwach, unveiled her vision for the sport on Wednesday in her first public address since her appointment to the role.

Okwach was appointed in a unanimous board decision following the resignation of Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai on May 30, 2025, and has outlined the creation of a junior league as her immediate task.

She proposed scrapping the country’s long-standing Eric Shirley Shield (ESS) league and replacing it with a dynamic Under-20 league that exclusively involves Kenya Cup clubs.

“This change aligns with our long-term development strategy and reflects global best practices, where age-grade competitions are essential for building strong national teams.

“The Chipu’s (Kenya junior team) recent international performances are a testament to the potential we have in our youth—and we must give them more structured and consistent game time,” Okwach said.

She also addressed the need for constitutional and governance reforms within the organization, following concerns raised by World Rugby about its control and financial structures.

“We are committed to strengthening governance within KRU. An amended constitution is in the works to ensure power is more equitably distributed, particularly through enhanced roles for regional heads.

“This is a move towards transparency, accountability, and decentralization, ensuring that rugby development happens across the country—not just in Nairobi.”

Okwach previously served as the director in charge of marketing and commercials, leading efforts to grow the game’s visibility and attract new partnerships.

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